Southern Pocket Gopher
Thomomys umbrinus
T. umbrinus is highly variable in size and coloration, ranging from small to medium-sized and from light brown to dark brown or blackish. The upper incisors are smooth, l…
How to identify
T. umbrinus is highly variable in size and coloration, ranging from small to medium-sized and from light brown to dark brown or blackish. The upper incisors are smooth, lacking grooves. Due to its variability, identification often relies on a combination of morphological characteristics, geographic location, and habitat.
Range
T. umbrinus has a broad distribution, extending from southern California east to Texas and south into Mexico.
Habitat
T. umbrinus occupies a wide variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, woodlands, and mountains, wherever suitable soil conditions exist.
Similar species
T. umbrinus can be confused with many other Thomomys species due to its wide range and variability. Careful comparison of cranial characteristics and geographic location is crucial for accurate identification.
Name and etymology
Genus
Thomomys
Greek for mound (thomos) mouse (mys)
Origin
Sources
- Palmer, Index Generum Mammalium (1904) ↗
Palmer, T. S. 1904. Index Generum Mammalium: a list of the genera and families of mammals. North American Fauna 23. Government Printing Office, Washington. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.39809
Species epithet
umbrinus
Latin for pertaining to (-inus) shadows (umbra)
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Thomomys umbrinus ↗
“Thomomys umbrinus.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_pocket_gopher
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
T. umbrinus has a broad distribution, extending from southern California east to Texas and south into Mexico.
Habitat
T. umbrinus occupies a wide variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, woodlands, and mountains, wherever suitable s…
Guide
Mammals of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap